Artist : Tamuka Njanji

Tamuka is an extremely versatile and exciting sculptor. His work has been exhibited in Britain, Borne, Salzburg and Belgium. Like so many other sculptors in Zimbabwe, Tamuka encourages young artists and Julius Dete Murenza is one of his protégés.

Tamuka looks at the human form from interestingly unique perspectives. He often uses the dynamic of outside surroundings so that his figures are not seen in isolation but become involved in the environment around them to the extent that outside elements may take precedence over the human form. His sculptures are open and honest, comfortable and relaxed, engrossed in the activities which he shapes in stone. He portrays lives that have been influenced by traditional beliefs yet have been affected by the changing society in which they live. His sculptures have within them a sense of being exposed to these elements.

Tamuka's work covers an interesting range of subjects and employs a variety of styles. When he chooses to portray a character involved in an activity, his work can be extremely concrete and realistic. His forms are either well defined and carefully detailed, or abstracted and stylised. They may be rounded, fertile and organic, or hard edged and arresting. Depending on the subject, he often chooses to over-emphasise certain body features to draw attention to the activity or emotion he is characterising. Apart from every-day activities, pastimes and rituals, one of the dominant themes in Tamuka's work is the enduring love that exists within a family - especially that of a mother for her child. He shows this as something which exists and flourishes beyond childhood, so that his mother figures often embrace grown children as they would a baby. His mood pieces look into the soul of his subject, allowing fascinating perceptions of human emotions and concerns.

Tamuka's choice of stone is another reflection of the wide range within which he likes to work. He uses cobalt, springstone, fruitstone, black serpentine, fruit serpentine, opal and statite.